• Learn research techniques and operate advanced equipment.
• Undertake a research project of your own under one of WSU’s respected faculty researchers.
• The prestigious STARS program helps ambitious, high-achieving students get an early start on research and earn their Ph.D. in biochemistry, genetics and cell biology, or microbiology up to two years faster.
• Study with faculty who are noted for their work in protein biochemistry, DNA repair, structural biology, and reproductive biology.
• You can join a math, science, and engineering community residence hall at WSU Pullman—share classes with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall’s computer lab.
• Individualize your course of study within the School of Molecular Biosciences.

Bachelor of science in biochemistry, molecular biology option

Core courses

Biol 106 & 107––Introductory Biology I & II
Chem 105 & 106––Principles of Chemistry I & II
Math 140––Math for the Life Sciences
     or Math 171--Calculus I
Math 212--Introduction to Statistical Methods
     or Stat 412--Statistical Methods
Chem 345 & 348--Organic Chemistry I & II
Phys 101 & 102––General Physics I & II
     or Phys 201 & 202--Physics for Scientists & Engineers I & II

MBioS 301––General Genetics
MBioS 303-–Introductory Biochemistry
MBioS 304--Micro/Molecular Biology Lab
MBioS 305––General Microbiology
MBioS 401––Cell Biology
MBioS 404--Molecular Biology
MBioS 413 & 414––General Biochemistry I & II
MBioS 454––Biochemistry Lab
MBioS 465––Principles of Biophysical Chemistry
MBioS 494––Senior Project

One lecture and one laboratory elective course

Pre-med students and those interested in advanced degrees should take a year of organic chemistry, which includes Chem 345 and 348.

Note: See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.

A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs.

For all students at WSU

Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.

To get all the financial help WSU can provide, start by doing these two things:

• Complete the University's general scholarship application so you can be eligible for scholarship consideration.
• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so WSU can consider you for aid (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.) based on financial need.

Click here for more info about WSU scholarships and financial aid

For molecular biology and biochemistry students

Biochemistry majors are eligible for scholarships offered by the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Molecular Biosciences.

Biochemistry students have access to the following outstanding facilities:

• Equipment for ultracentrifugation, recombinant DNA techniques, HPLC, protein analysis and purification, DNA sequencing and synthesizing, and more
• Bioanalytical Laboratory
• Electron Microscopy Center
• Nuclear Radiation Center
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Center
• X-ray Crystallography Laboratory
• Owen Science and Engineering Library, the largest of its kind in the Northwest

• A good high school preparation in biology, chemistry, and mathematics

• At least three years of sciences and math in high school recommended

• Strong reading, writing, reasoning, and computer skills

Biochemistry majors have wide and diverse career opportunities in the life sciences. Careers open to majors include technical positions in the food, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and biotechnology industries, in private or governmental laboratories, and in nonprofit institutions such as clinical and hospital laboratories and at institutes whose main activity is research.

Graduates are also prepared to pursue advanced degree work in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and other fields. Advanced degrees can lead to teaching at the college level or conducting basic or applied research in the government, higher education, or private industry. Others have careers in law, business, and government.